You know, as I sit here watching/scoffing at love movies like New Year’s Eve and Shrek because there’s nothing else on, (oh, and I call anything with a semblance of romance a “love movie” these days) I realize maybe they aren’t all total B.S. Because they all seem to have one thing in common and that is some initial and tragic heartbreak where we see our hero fall to the lowest of lows before, miraculously, in walks the true love of their life when the least expect it.

Well, now that I can officially say I’ve had my heart properly smashed into a million unrecognizable pieces, maybe I too have now earned that wildly unexpected [Enter TRUE LOVE stage left]. So instead of disdainfully mocking such films for being so ridiculously unrealistic, perhaps I should view them as inspiring hope that the real deal is waiting just around the corner. Guess we’ll see.

Security. First and foremost, they want to feel safe, secure and protected. This is what I commonly refer to being a “take-care-of” guy. Women want to feel safe when they are with a man. They want to feel that he can handle himself in any situation. This is why women like confident men, because they feel comfortable and secure around someone who is secure in themselves. Continue reading →

Like this:

Do you ever get the sinking feeling that you might not be in your lady’s good graces? You ask if she is upset only for her to reply, “No, I’m not upset. It’s fine.” Although she grants you these assuring words, you cannot help but feel that she is not being entirely truthful. When you sense that palpable air of disdain envelope your exchange, your suspicion is likely correct. She is indeed upset with you.

Why don’t women just say what they mean?? Well, as atavistic as it may seem, society has taught women that it is not particularly ladylike to express negative emotions such as anger. In addition, woman is a highly introspective creature. Quite often her reluctance to immediately publicize her thoughts and feelings is due to her wishing to take an aside and reflect upon the situation. This includes self-evaluating the rationality of her feelings weighed against the potential benefit or detriment of broaching the subject. In that same vein, she may thoughtfully choose to temper her emotions first before engaging in a dialogue.

“If you don’t have anything nice to say…”

Whether or not she expresses herself verbally, women are masters of body language. As we all know, approximately 80% of all communication is non-verbal. Thus, even though she assures you she is not mad, your instincts may tell you that quite the opposite is true. This is her body language slapping you upside the head. Communication is of paramount importance in any relationship. One would be wise to pay attention to the less direct, albeit utterly compelling signals that are often more candid about a person’s true state of mind than their words may be.

Therefore, gentlemen, do yourselves a favor and simply apologize. One can never go wrong with an easy, “I’m sorry.” Trite as it may be, these two words go miles with the fairer sex. She will be most grateful for the gesture, flattered that you seem to understand her, and quick to forgive your transgression.

Like this:

When the occasion arises, there is definitely a right way (or at least betterway) and a wrong way to resolve any point of contention. Here are some basics to help you smoothly and amicably attain comity.

Like this:

WHY?!? Because when you are confident, busy and fairly aloof, that is when you are your most attractive. This concept has nothing to do with being an a-hole or unapproachable, it simply is a result of your self-assured ability to independent. Think about it, what’s more sexy than a person who is comfortable with themselves and unlike 98% of the population, not desperate. Continue reading →

Unfortunately, this is true. You have made up your mind about somebody within the first 5-10 seconds of seeing and or talking to them. Of course eventually one is going to require more depth then looks alone and a good first impression, but you don’t GET the chance to show off your amazing personality and well-roundedness if you don’t make a good enough impression to begin with. Continue reading →

Disclaimer: I am certainly not advocating being an asshole-recluse; but explaining a basic human behavior, its general effects and the motives behind it. There is a time and place for everything, and always in moderation.

The basic principle is that the less you give, affection, praise, material gifts, time etc.- the more weight it has when you do. Think about it. Continue reading →

For this, I use employ pole-vaulting metaphor. You have to set standards. There must be a certain level of treatment and respect that you demand from everyone in your life—especially anyone you are dating and so on. If you don’t raise the bar, so to speak, and require to be treated with the utmost care and respect, you won’t get it. Naturally people are lazy and inclined to put in the minimal amount of effort required to attaining a goal. And generally it makes sense, why spend more time and effort than necessary? Afterall, “time is money.” Continue reading →

1. Excessive Jealousy/Insecurity. Usually they go hand in hand. You’ll never be able to win with this person, so just don’t even go there.

2. Bad Sniffs. You absolutely must like they way they smell. Yes, even when they’re funky–especially when they’re funky; cuz that’s gonna happen. If you don’t, it’s never gonna work out. True story.

3. Bad Sleeps. Where you just can’t sleep well next to someone. No matter how hard you try the puzzle pieces are not fitting together and you’re left spending your night flopping around like a fish out of water. Let me tell you, this is NOT going to be long-lasting relationship.

5. Unneccessary Lying. Lying when there is no conceivable purpose to hide the truth?? Whoa! This person is clearly a psychopath. Get the EFF outta there and if applicable, think about changing your locks.

6. Serial Cheating. Once can be chalked up to human error. Anything more than that is a lifestyle.

Entertaining and bittersweet, this artsy non-love story is was filmed on location in our very own and beautiful downtown Los Angeles. If there are two general love-related lessons that can be taken from this movie, they would be:

1. Read the signals, it’s usually not that complicated to tell how someone feels about you.

2. Be happy with what others can and want to give you. Don’t demand or expect more (because it never works).

Here is what I hate most about taking the Bar: You must necessarily be 110% selfish. No one on the outside ever really understands that. Grounds clearly not ripe for a nascent relationship.

Not to mention the concomitant stress that only grows as the day comes near; realizing that you have spent 3 years and unbelievable sweat, blood and tears for a mere 18 hour exam that will either validate your sacrifices or leave you $250,000.00 in debt and looking for a new career. Continue reading →

The Magic Castle. An evening of magical enchantment. If you can find a way to get invited to this up-scale highly exclusive member’s only club, it is an experience you will never forget. Magic and mystery exist at every turn in this extravagant and whimsical establishment.

DIATUS (dye-ey-tuhs) noun: Also known as a “dating-hiatus.” A temporary break from one’s dating or love life.

Recently I have come to the conclusion that the dating system is flawed. At least for those who swim in the post-grad pool.

Here’s how it used to work: You have classes with someone, run in the same circles, or have some other organic social connection that provides ample interaction and the ability to get to know and befriend that person first; and out of that pre-established compatibility develops romance. Continue reading →

Only a few months old, Covell is a very small but intimate wine bar where the bartenders get to know you, figure out what you like, and present you with numerous tasters until you find the wine of your choosing. In the Los Feliz area, and offers about 4 savory french snacks including croque-monsieur, cheese plate, and an antipasto type plate (yes, I realize not French, but don’t recall the French name for it). Excellent service. Their schtick is that you don’t buy a glass until you are satisfied. Plus the bartenders are a wealth of recommendations. Fun, tasty and intoxicating (literally). Two thumbs up.